Director of Children and Family Ministries

First Presbyterian Church Evanston

Position Summary

The Director of Children and Family Ministries provides vision, leadership, and hands-on ministry for all children from infancy through elementary school, as well as ministry that supports and engages families. This person will work collaboratively with pastoral staff, the Our Children Our Family (OCOF) ministry council, volunteers, and parents to set goals and milestones that help children grow in faith, share in the life of the church, and take next steps in following Jesus.

Key Responsibilities

Children’s Ministry (Infant–Elementary)

• Pray for, support, and advocate for children, youth, and families.
• Design, oversee, and continually improve age-appropriate programming for nursery, toddlers, preschool, and elementary-age children, including Sunday school, midweek programs, and special events.
• Develop goals, outcomes, and milestones for children’s faith formation that intentionally move them to the next steps of following Jesus.
• Recruit, train, equip, coordinate schedules, and shepherd a team of dedicated volunteers.
• Ensure all classrooms and programs maintain a safe, nurturing, and theologically grounded environment, including full compliance with FPCE’s Safe Church policies and child protection protocols.
• Coordinate special ministry events including Vacation Bible School, Christmas Program, Half-Day Hooray, Family Camp, Family Fun Nights, and other activities.
• Serve as a liaison to the School for Little Children, meeting monthly with its Director to foster a positive relationship between FPCE and the school.

Family Ministry

• Partner with parents as the primary faith-formers in their children’s lives, providing resources, events, and support that extend discipleship into the home.
• Create and lead family-oriented programming throughout the church year, including seasonal events, parent workshops, and intergenerational worship opportunities.
• Serve as a connector between families and the broader congregation, helping families feel known, supported, and integrated.
• Collaborate with pastors and other ministry staff on milestone moments such as infant dedications/baptisms, First Communion, and transitions from children’s ministry to youth ministry.

Congregational & Administrative Leadership

• Report to FPCE’s Lead Pastor/Head of Staff.
• Serve and collaborate with the Director of Youth and Young Adults, other ministry staff, and the OCOF council to create a formation environment that is intergenerational, ensuring that children are invited and included in the life and work of FPCE, including worship and mission opportunities.
• Develop and steward an annual budget for children and family ministries in partnership with the Lead Pastor and Session.
• Prepare regular reports for the OCOF council on ministry activities, attendance, budget, and strategic direction.
• Implement and oversee robust systems to track weekly attendance across all children’s programs, ensuring all participating families are fully registered with accurate, up-to-date information.
• Guarantee 100% volunteer compliance with Child Protection Policy standards, including background checks and training.
• Maintain a pastoral presence with children and their families, including care during significant life events.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with families through newsletters, email, and social media.
• Stay current with best practices in Christian education and child development.

Qualifications

Required

• Sincere, mature Christian faith and active commitment to the Reformed tradition and the mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
• A genuine love of children across all developmental stages and a desire to see them grow in their love for Jesus.
• Become a member of FPCE within the first year of employment.
• Bachelor’s degree required; a degree in Christian Education, Ministry, or a related field preferred. A master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in children’s or family ministry, with demonstrated leadership of volunteers.
• Strong relational skills with children, parents, volunteers, and staff.
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities.
• Competency in curriculum selection, program planning, and budget management.
• Ability to climb stairs and lift approximately 35 pounds.
• Must successfully complete a background check and Safe Church training.

How to Apply